Specialist Clerk II - County of Alameda

Introduction

This is a reinstatement, transfer or voluntary demotion opportunity for current and former regularly appointed employees of Alameda County.

Reinstatement:

Pursuant to Civil Service Rule 1744: On the request of a department head and approval of the Commission, a regularly appointed employee who resigned in good standing may, within three years after the effective date of his/her resignation, be reinstated in a position in the class from which he/she resigned or in a position in another class for which he/she may be eligible as determined by the Commission. Appointments by reinstatement following resignation are subject to the probationary period established for the class. You must have been a classified County employee in the same job code or in a job code at the same salary maximum and left the County in good standing. In addition, you must meet the minimum and special qualifications of the specific position.

Transfer:

You must be a current County classified employee in the same job code or in a job code with the same salary maximum for which you are applying. In addition, you must meet the minimum and special qualifications of the specific position.

Voluntary Demotion:

You must be a current County classified employee in a job code which is at a higher salary maximum than the vacancy for which you are applying. In addition, you must meet the minimum and special qualifications of the specific position.

DESCRIPTION

THE DEPARTMENT:

The Alameda County Probation Department is an essential element of the County's system of public protection and human services. The Department's role is to reduce the impact of crime in the community by providing accurate, comprehensive and timely information and recommendations to the Courts, providing community-based sanctions and treatment for offenders, and working cooperatively with law enforcement agencies and community organizations with similar objectives. The Department provides a wide range of mandated and discretionary investigative, advisory, and supervisory services to adult and juvenile probationers pursuant to State law and the County Charter.

THE POSITION:

Under general supervision, to do the most difficult or complex clerical work, requiring the exercise of substantial initiative, judgment, and independence within the framework of County or department policies and procedures; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Incumbents of positions in this class perform duties requiring greater exercise of initiative and judgment beyond that of the lower-level Specialist Clerk. The majority of the duties assigned must fall into the following category:

1. Specialist Clerk II requires a more thorough knowledge of broad and complex procedures, systems, rules, codes and policies in order to perform assigned duties. Positions are often characterized by the time constraints to complete tasks and include substantial financial and/or legal liability to the County of the tasks. The position is expected to function in a sensitive and highly confidential environment where incumbents exercise considerable independent judgment and decision making in areas such as, investigations, employee relations, protective services or vendor/contract coordination for a County agency. Performance at this level requires the ability to interpret and apply specific codes, laws, ordinances, legal documents or technical terminology. Such positions normally require a minimum of one year of training in order to make decisions and determinations based on the specialized department and program knowledge.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of one year of experience in the class of Specialist Clerk I or in an equivalent or higher level clerical class in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney's Office and the Hospital Authority.)

Or II

The equivalent of three years of full-time clerical experience.

License: Some positions may require a valid California Driver's license.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Examples of Duties" section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

•Modern office practices and procedures, including business correspondence, filing, and standard office equipment operations.

•Thorough program knowledge of work requiring the application of a variety of rules, procedures, codes, calculations, and systems is required in some positions.

•Techniques and practices for dealing with individuals from various socio-economic and ethnic groups, in person, via telephone, and through correspondence (may include contacts with irate and hostile individuals).

Ability to:

•Analyze and problem solve.

•Communicate orally and in writing.

•Make independent decisions and take initiative.

•Demonstrate interpersonal sensitivity.

•Plan, organize and coordinate work.

•Work independently.

•Adapt to challenging situations.

SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION CRITERIA:

For positions requiring the ability to type at a speed of not less than 40 net words per minute from clear copy. Typing must occupy more than 10 percent of working time. Typing may be on a typewriter, or a personal computer.

DEFINITIONS USED IN CRITERIA OF "DISTINGUISHING FEATURES":

Specialized Knowledge:

Indicates that a minimum of one year of specialized education or equivalent on-the-job training is necessary to acquire this specialized knowledge.

General Knowledge:

Indicates that information concerning a few of the more easily understood aspects from a variety of sources or complete understanding of all aspects from one source is required in order to perform the duties.

Working Knowledge:

Indicates an understanding of the usual finer points of general knowledge and an understanding of the details from a variety of sources is required in order to perform the duties.

Thorough Knowledge:

Indicates complete and broad understanding of all aspects and details of clerical work which requires the application of a variety of sources (i.e., codes, County and department policy, rules, systems, and procedures) is required in order to perform the duties.

Clerical work:

Work involving internal and external communications, recording and retrieval of data, and/or information and other paper work required in an office.

ALTERNATE RANGE CRITERIA:

1. For positions requiring incumbents to take and transcribe dictation via shorthand or dictating machine recording; these duties must occupy more than 10 percent of working time.

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being. These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical - HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental - HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1st United Services Credit Union

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement. This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

Conclusion

TO APPLY

Please submit a PDF of your updated Alameda County application to Chantha Keomanichanh at CKeomanichanh@acgov.org. Please be in contact via email or at (510) 208-1143 if you have any questions.

You are encouraged to apply immediately as this posting is open until filled and may close at anytime.

Alameda County is an Equal Opportunity Employer